The United States has expressed concern over the recent clash between Nigerian police officers and Shiite Muslims in Kano State on November 14.

The clash, which occurred during a march by the group, left many Shiites dead and several others missing.

The US made its comments via a statement. It reads:

“This is the latest in a series of violent incidents between security forces and members of the Shia Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), some of which have resulted in deaths, destruction of property, and the arbitrary detention of IMN members.”

“The United States calls for calm and restraint on all sides, a reduction of tensions, and greater communication between Shia citizens and government authorities.

“We continue to urge the government to ensure accountability for the deaths of more than 300 IMN members during December 15, 2015 clashes between the IMN and security forces in Zaria, Kaduna State.

“We also call on the Nigerian government to conduct a transparent investigation of the latest incidents and bring to account anyone responsible for violating the law.”

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim explained, after the attack, that his men were forced to retaliate after the Shiites killed a police officer.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative in Nigeria, Mrs Angele Dikongue-Atangana (L) handing over signed documents on the Guma Shelter Support Project constructed by the UNHCR for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to Deputy Governor of Benue State, Mr Benson Abouno, during the inauguration and handing over of the 100 units of the houses to Benue State Government at Daudu village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Friday

From left: Representative of the Oba of Lagos, Chief Olasanyin Lamuna; Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir, and Minister of Information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at the three day prayer for the former Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki in kaduna on Thursday

Official of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital , Alhaji Musa Gashigar (R), briefing officials of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, during their inspection visit in Maiduguri on Thursday

From left: Former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Belo University, Prof, Danndatti Abdulkadiri; Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Mohammed Bahir, and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at the three days prayer for the former Sultan of sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki in kaduna on Thursday

Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC); Mr Segun Awolowo , Presenting Certificate to one of the Student, at the Graduations of Trainees of the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) Human Capital Development Center of the NEPC in Lagos on Thursday

Cross Section of the Trainees at the Graduations of Trainees of the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) Human Capital Development Center of the NEPC in Lagos on Thursday

Members of the Transition Implementation Committee for Irepodun LGA of Kwara State taking oath of office before the Chairman in Omu-Aran on Thursday

Chairman, Irepodun LGA of Kwara, Alhaji Kazeem Adekanye, presenting a letter of appointment to one of the committee members, Mrs Serifat Abdullahi during the inauguration of the Transition Implementation Committee for Irepodun LGA of Kwara State in Omu-Aran,on Thursday

From left: Representative of Executive Commissioner of IT Telecommunications, Ecowas Commission, Dr Osei Agyemal-Duah; Senior Vice President and Head delivery MTN Business, Mr Manoj Mudgal and Chairman, African ICT Alliance, Dr Fncs Ficma, during the 3rd African head of Information and Communications Technology Professionals development summit in Abuja on Thursday

The Guma Shelter Support Project was conceived by UNCHR as a pilot project, which will be replicated in parts of the North East to accommodate some of the vulnerable IDP households in the region, especially the aged population, orphaned or unaccompanied children, widows and the handicapped, who sleep in the open around residences and other public places.

Programme Coordinator, Women's Right Advancement and Protection Alternative Nigeria, (WRAPA), Anisah Ari-Amunega (R), speaking during the Media workshop to sensitize and develop a gender based violence reporting Protocol in Jos on Friday

Chairman, Nigerian women journalist,(NAWOJ), Rivers State Chapter, Mrs Lilian Okonkwo (2nd R), and members of Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Rivers State during a protest over the alleged release of five suspected rapist by the Rivers State Police Command in Port Harcourt on Friday

A cross-section of Members of Fire Officers Wives Association, at the closing ceremony of Fire Service Week in Abuja on Friday

from left: Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Mr Joseph Anebi; President, Fire Service officers Wives Association, Mrs Juliana Anebi and Assistant Controller General in charge of Administration and Supply, Ibrahim Liman, at the closing ceremony of Fire Service Week in Abuja on Friday

Executive Director, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, Mr Reuben Habu (L), and Director, Monitoring and Enforcement Department, Mrs Kubrats Olaniyi, during a workshop on capacity building on monitoring of compliance to conditions of water use license and enforcement in Jos on Friday

Some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) showing appreciation to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Benue State Government during the inauguration and handing over of 100 units of houses constructed for them in the Guma Shelter Support Project by UNHCR to the State Government at Daudu village in Benue State on Friday

Some of the 100 units of houses in the Guma Shelter Support Project constructed for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and handed over to Benue State Government at Daudu village in Benue State on Friday

The Guma Shelter Support Project was conceived by UNCHR as a pilot project, which will be replicated in parts of the North East to accommodate some of the vulnerable IDP households in the region, especially the aged population, orphaned or unaccompanied children, widows and the handicapped, who sleep in the open around residences and other public places.